It is the dream of many a youngster. To one day play Premier League football and live a life of luxury whilst being employed in a sport which is the envy of most other people. Of course, there are organisations out there which aim to make these dreams reality and they are the footballing academies of the respective clubs up and down the nation. Every year, we see new precocious talents take the field, and at times they don’t even look old enough for University, let alone their bow in senior football!

Nevertheless, an appearance with the first team for a fledgling individual is the culmination of endless hours of hard work, dedication, desire and commitment. Moreover, there is a greater sense of connection between fans and the so-called ‘home grown’ lads purely because they might come from the surrounding vicinity or simply remind you of your rather less successful days playing Sunday league for example.

We want to take this moment to commend a few of the more successful and established academy set up’s within the English leagues and take a look at some of the top talent produced both over seasons gone by and more recently, as late as this season. With endless production lines, maybe possessing the ‘next big thing’ these clubs are renowned for their skill in fast tracking youngsters to the first team reckoning.

Click on the Liverpool Academy to unveil the top 10